[Effects of boron and calcium supplementation on mechanical properties of bone in rats]

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to consider the effects of boron [B] and calcium [Ca] supplementation on mechanical properties of bone tissues and mineral content of selected bones in rats. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats underwent three different treatments with boron and calcium in their drinking water, while being fed ad libitum for 4weeks. Rats were placed into three treatment groups group1 were given 2 mg B/d; group 2, 300 mg Ca/d, and group 3, a combination of 2 mg B + 300 mg Ca/d. After the experimental period body weights were recorded and bone mechanical properties were determined on the tibiae, femurs, and fifth lumbar vertebral bones and the mineral contents of these bones was calculated as the ash percentage. Bone mechanical properties were observed to be better after boron supplementation. The hardness of the lumbar vertebral bones tended to increase in all groups. The group receiving Boron supplementation demonstrated maximal hardness in all bones while calcium supplementation had the least effect; however, in the case of lumbar vertebral bones, this negative effect was corrected in the presence of boron,. Highest mean energy to maximal load was shown with boron supplementation, demonstrating significant differences with Ca group; in comparison with the controls, least difference in mean energy to maximal load, was seen in the Calcium group. There were no significant differences in energy and deformation with ultimate load among the four groups. There were no significant differences in ash weights among the four groups. Boron supplementation increased the bone mechanical properties in rats and its efficiency tended to be higher in lumbar vertebral bones